Emergency supplies
This item is recommended at one gallon per person per day during an emergency.
What is water?
This list should be updated regularly so staff can be contacted before and after storms.
What is the emergency contact list or phone tree?
These clients are often prioritized first during emergency outreach after a storm.
Who are high risk or medically fragile?
This means hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours
What is a hurricane watch?
Staff should have this prepared before hurricane season starts.
What is a family emergency plan?
These are important to keep on hand for flashlights and radios.
What are batteries?
When cell service fails, this communication method may still work in the internet is available.
What is email or messaging apps using wi-fi (WhatsApp)?
This should be confirmed with families before hurricane season begins.
What is evacuation or emergency planning?
This term means hurricane conditions are expected and action should be taken immediately
What is a hurricane warning?
This important item should be refilled before major storms if possible.
What are prescription medications?
This type of bag should contain essential personal and work emergency items ready to grab quickly.
What is a " go bag" or emergency kit?
This person should be notified immediately if a staff member cannot safely report to work.
Who is the supervisor?
This important information should be verified before a storm.
What is emergency contact information?
This hurricane category has sustained winds of 157 mph or higher
What is category 5?
This is important for reducing burnout.
What is self care?
This device can keep phones charged during extended power outages.
What is a portable charger or power bank?
This type of communication should avoid sharing unnecessary protected health information.
What is HIPAA compliant communication?
Before a hurricane, families of children with autism may benefit from preparing these visual supports to help reduce anxiety and explain changes in routine.
What are social stories or visual schedules?
This weather hazard causes the most hurricane related deaths in many storms
What is flooding or storm surge?
This should be identified ahead of time in case schools or daycares close.
What is backup childcare?
This document should include emergency contacts, medications taken, allergies and other important information.
What is an emergency information sheet or emergency preparedness plan?
A staff member posts client updates on social media during a storm. This major concern may be violated.
What is confidentiality or HIPAA?
This common challenge may increase for children with autism during hurricanes due to loud noises or routine disruption.
What is sensory overload or sensory dysregulation?
This should never be used indoors during a storm because ot can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
What is a generator?
Before, during or after a major storm, ABA staff may need to adapt interventions because of environmental stress, routine disruption, or limited resources. This professional skill becomes especially important.
What is flexibility or clinical judgment?